Lock.



L. E. ELSTON LOCK.-

APPLICATIONvFlLED FEB. I9, 1917.

Patented Apr, 2, 1918.I

@Noz neg FFQE.

LEWIS E. ELSTON, 0F UNIONVILLE, NEW YORK.

LOCK.

' Specification of'etters Patent.

Patented Apr. 2, i918.

Application filed February 19, 1 917. Serial No. 149,509.

To all Lc/tom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Lnwls E. ELs'roN., a

citizen of the United States, and resident of Unionville, in the county of Ura-nge and- State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Locks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in locks, and the primary object of the invention is to provide a lock provided with means that greatly expedite the releasing thereof, this type of lock being especially applicable on mail bags, railroad switches and commercial purposes.

Another object of the inventionis to provide a lock of thischaracter which is provided with a casing having key hole openings in opposite sides thereof, whereby the operating key is easily and simply inserted no matter in what position the lock may be.

A. further object of the invention is to provide a lock of this character which is pro vided with a single lock control mechanism, and a pair of key hole openings at the opposite sides of the lock, whereby a key is insertible through either of said openings to operate the single control mechanism to release the lock.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which is easily and simply constructed, inexpensive to manufacture, and one which will be very efficient in operation.

With these and numerous other objects in view my invention consists in the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts which will be herein referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specication and claim.

In the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the lock, showing the type of key hole employed on one side; Y

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the lock showing the key hole portion thereof in elevation, and illustrating the other type of key hole opening used; and,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the two sides of the casing, and the key separated.

In describing my invention I shall refer to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The type of lock for which this invention is primarily intended being a lock that is commonly used for commercial purposes, I have illustrated the same applied to the conventional type of padlock, such as is ordinarily used for this purpose. The numeral 1 designates the` conventional type of padlock that is provided with the usual shackle 2, and the conventional type of spring-pressed latches or tumblers 3 .disposed within the casing` Lt.

The casing t is formed in two sections numbered 5 and `6, the section 5 being provided with a key hole opening 7 therein which is disposed in alinement with a key hole opening 8 in the opposite sect-ion. The shank Yportions of these openings 7 and 8, are disposed angularly with relation to each other as shown at 9 and 10, to prevent any one from picking the lock. The key hole openings in the casings 5 and 6 are provided' with projecting portions l1 and 11 which have carried thereby a key post 1:3 which has its free ends extending through said portions.

To operate the padlock I have provided a key 13 which has formed on one end any desired type of handle 14, while the opposite end thereof is semi-circular as shown at 15, and is provided with the conventional type of key bit 16 projecting therefrom. The key 13 is provided adjacent the semi-circular end with a stop ring orcollar 17, which limits the movement of the key in the lock.

In operation when the two sections of the padlock are assembled, and the single lock or shackle control 3 is positioned therebetween, to release the shackle from locked position, it is only necessary to insert the key 13 through either of the key hole openings 7 and 8 in either side of the casing. Upon insertion through one of the openings the semi-circular projecting endof the key will engage the key post 12, and will rotate around the same when moved. This rotation of the key will operate the spring pressed latches to release the shackle as is obvious to those skilled in the art. It is apparent from this structure that the key 13 is insertible through either of the key hole openings in opposite sides of the casing of the padlock, to operate the lock controlling mechanism.

This novel construction will greatly expedite the operation of the lock, as the same is applicable for use no matter in what position the same may lie. This type of padlock is especially applicable for use on the ordinary type of lock now in use as oftenthe key hole opening is turned inwardly toward Y the side, thus causing a great loss of time in moving the locks to a position Wherethe key may be readily inserted. By the operation of this lock, the key may be inserted from either side thereof to release the shackle. The angular relation-of the shank portions lof the key hole openings through Which the '1 I have provided a simple and eilicient means for carrying out the objects of this invention. It Will be understood that any desired type of tumblers, together With any type of key embodying the broad characteristics herein set forth may be employed. The shanks of the key holes may be positioned at various angles, and various other minor changes or different arrangement of parts may be employed that do not depart from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of n the appended claim.

Having thus fully described my invention, What I claim as nev;7 and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is :a- 1

In 'a lock of the class described the combination With a casing, said casing having semi-circular key hole openings in the opposite sides thereof with shank portions disposed out of alinement, a stationary key post having its opposite ends secured to the inner Walls of the opposite sides of the casing and 4disposed in axial alincment with said key hole openings, and a key having a semi-circular end portion insertible through either of said openings and rotatable on the post. I

In testimony whereof, I aiiix my signature hereto. 4

- LEWIS E. ELSTON.`

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washingtom D. C. Y 

